Fraud, Waste & Abuse Hotline

The City of Portsmouth encourages reporting Fraud, Waste and Abuse, which can be reported through (E-Submit Form) or by calling the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline number at (757) 393-8970 which is administered by the City Clerk. The hotline is designed to assist City employees, departments, agencies and programs in preventing and detecting incidents of waste, fraud, and abuse in the City of Portsmouth. Use your discretion relative to disclosing your name or remaining anonymous when reporting a specific incident. When reporting, please provide the following information:

Provide the circumstances of the incident

Provide the name of the agency and subject (s) involved

Identify any relevant evidence and/or documentation that may be available

Identify any available documentation

Provide dates, times, names, and locations

Submit the names of credible witnesses

As defined by Virginia Code § 15.2-2511.2, definitions for Fraud, Waste, and Abuse are as follows:

Fraud

Fraud means the intentional deception perpetrated by an individual or
individuals, or an organization or organizations, either internal or
external to local government that could result in a tangible or
intangible benefit to themselves, others, or the locality or could cause
detriment to others or the locality. Fraud includes a false
representation of a matter of fact, whether by words or by conduct, by
false or misleading statements, or by concealment of that which should
have been disclosed, which deceives and is intended to deceive.

Waste

Waste means the intentional or unintentional, thoughtless or careless
expenditure, consumption, mismanagement, use, or squandering of
resources owned or operated by the locality to the detriment or
potential detriment of the locality. Waste also includes incurring
unnecessary costs because of inefficient or ineffective practices,
systems, or controls.

Abuse

Abuse means the excessive or improper use of something, or the
employment of something in a manner contrary to the natural or legal
rules for its use; the intentional destruction, diversion, manipulation,
misapplication, maltreatment, or misuse of resources owned or operated
by the locality; or extravagant or excessive use so as to abuse one's
position or authority.